🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Protege

Year:

1999

Platform:

BJ (Third Generation)

Chassis Code:

BJ3P, BJ5P, BJEP

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops.

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier

Vehicle Strengths:

Reliability, Fuel Efficiency, Affordable Maintenance, Comfortable Ride (for its class), Engaging Handling (especially with Sport trims)

Manual Value:

Provides in-depth technical information essential for proper repair and maintenance, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

Market:

Global (North American market emphasis likely)

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific publisher, typically 500-1500 pages for a full factory service manual

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Engine Mechanical

Drivetrain:

Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Driveshafts, Axles, Differential

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic & Parking), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), Cruise Control, Air Conditioning System (HVAC), Engine Control Unit (ECU) Wiring Diagrams

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Bumpers, Structural Components

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Tire Rotation, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Battery Maintenance

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting common problems, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component testing procedures, Sensor analysis

Repair Rebuild:

Engine rebuild specifications, Transmission overhaul, Brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component repair, Body panel repair/replacement

Adjustment:

Wheel alignment, Parking brake adjustment, Clutch adjustment, Idle speed adjustment

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of all major vehicle systems. Includes detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and service procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Viewable on most computers and portable devices with PDF reader software.

Printability:

Designed to be printable, with clear text and diagrams.

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Quality:

High-resolution digital images and text, ensuring clarity of diagrams and instructions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FP-DE (1.5L), FS-DE (2.0L)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

1.5L Horsepower:

Approx. 90-100 hp @ 6000 rpm

2.0L Horsepower:

Approx. 120-130 hp @ 6000 rpm

1.5L Torque:

Approx. 90-95 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

2.0L Torque:

Approx. 125-135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-pack

Emissions Features:

Catalytic Converter, EGR System, EVAP System

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with overdrive)

Clutch Type:

Dry Single Plate Clutch (Manual Transmission)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Consult manual for specific Mazda part numbers or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Mazda ATF-III (or equivalent MERCON/Dexron-III)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 167.9 - 171.3 inches (depending on body style)

Width:

Approx. 67.7 inches

Height:

Approx. 55.3 inches (Sedan), 55.7 inches (Hatchback)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2500 - 2800 lbs (depending on configuration)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 11.8 - 13.1 cu ft (Sedan)

Hatchback Cargo Volume:

Approx. 17.5 cu ft (rear seats up), expandable with seats folded

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for comparable models of that era)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for comparable models of that era)

ABS:

Available on select trims (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this model year

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts, Pretensioners for front seatbelts

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced body structure (common in modern vehicle design)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, Optional CD Player. Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker systems.

Climate Control:

Manual Air Conditioning and Heating, optional Automatic Climate Control on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on many trims.

Aux Input:

Not standard; aftermarket head unit installation typically required for aux/USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil can extend intervals, consult manual).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type - copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (critical for interference engines like the FS-DE).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific recommendations and viscosity based on climate).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific Mazda long-life coolant (FL22 equivalent).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.7 - 4.1 quarts (with filter, depending on engine).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 5.1 - 5.7 quarts (depending on engine and radiator).

Common Problems Engine:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, Minor oil consumption (especially at higher mileage), Idle Air Control (IAC) valve issues leading to rough idle.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, Worn tie rod ends, Strut mount failures.

Common Problems Electrical:

Failure of power window regulators, Headlight switch issues, Corroded grounds causing intermittent electrical gremlins.

Common Problems Transmission:

Difficulty shifting into certain gears (manual), Clutch wear, Torque converter shudder (automatic).

Common Problems Body:

Rust formation in wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels (especially in rust-belt regions).

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Philosophy:

Zoom-Zoom (emerging emphasis on driving dynamics and spirited performance)

Third Generation Introduction:

Introduced for the 1998 model year in Japan, North America for 1999. Marked a significant redesign from the previous generation.

Body Styles:

Available as a 4-door Sedan and a 5-door Hatchback (sometimes referred to as Protege5 in later generations, but this manual covers the 1999 base hatchback).

Manufacturing Location:

Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan

Production Years:

1998-2003 (BJ platform)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Mazda Protege was not on Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1999, but the model generally received positive reviews for its value and driving dynamics.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated average to above average for reliability in its class for the year, though some specific components could be problematic as detailed in known issues.